Digit-supporting therapeutic device for the hand

ABSTRACT

A therapeutic hand device comprising a first thumb-sleeve for receiving therein the thumb of a hand, a second index-finger sleeve for receiving therein the index finger of the hand, and a third middle-finger sleeve for receiving therein the middle finger of the hand. The first thumb-sleeve is connected to said second sleeve and is also connected to the third sleeve by adjustable straps. An open space is defined interiorly of, and delimited by, the first, second and third sleeves, whereby when the device is worn on a hand, an object may be inserted into the open space between the first, second and third sleeves, with the adjustable straps being used to firmly hold the thumb and fingers in a pincer hold against the object, whereby the object may be held and manipulated with support and assistance by the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed a therapeutic device for the hand andfor assisting a person in holding and gripping objects. The apparatus ofthe invention is a hand-worn or fingers-worn device made to give totalor partial support to the fingers of hand while using tools, and similarhand-carried and manipulatable items. The device of the inventionsupports the fingers of the hand in their functional positions, with thethumb able to oppose the fingers in either fixed or other desiredpositions.

Support devices for the hand are well-known. Examples of such are golfgloves, bowler's gloves, and the like. Some prior-art supports for thehand are therapeutic, by helping to support the hand, or one or moredigits. Examples of prior-art therapeutic support devices for the handare shown in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,152,337; 4,953,568; 5,762,621;6,029,277; and 6,095,994. However, prior-art therapeutic hand-devicesare either directed to treating a specific problem, or are cumbersomeand bulky in use, preventing the digits from easily holding andmanipulating a tool or object while at the same time providing thetherapeutic support and treatment required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, the primary objective of the present invention toprovide a therapeutic device for the digits of a hand that allows thefingers of the hand to hold, use and manipulate an object, tool, and thelike, while at the same time providing therapeutic support thereto.

It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide such atherapeutic device for the digits of a hand which allows the fingers orhand to hold, use and manipulate an object, tool, and the like, while atthe same time providing therapeutic support thereto, which devicetherapeutically supports at least the thumb, index finger and middlefinger, such that the index and middle fingers are held in opposition tothe thumb.

The therapeutic hand device of the invention provides support to thefingers while performing a variety of pinches, including; tripod pinch,key pinch, and pincer. It provides gradable support by, for example,placing the finger-sleeves closer to the distal intercarpophalangeal(DIP) joint, distally closer to the intercarpophalangeal (IP) joint, orproximally closer to the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint. Support strapsmay be adjustable to fasten the device to give more or less support, ormay use tightly fitting stretchable material for straps.

The occupational therapy device of the present invention offers gradableor variably-adjustable support to the thumb and index and middle fingersof the hand as it is used during routine activities, such as for holdinga pencil, screwdriver, and the like, and consists of, in the preferredembodiment, three interconnected flexible sleeves: A first thumb-sleevein which a thumb is received, a second sleeve in which the index fingeris received, and a third sleeve in which the middle finger is received.The device is made of flexible and stretchable fabric, and defines aninterior opening or hollow volume delimited and bounded by the threesleeves, in which volume an object or tool may be inserted to be heldfor use. The flexible and stretchable nature of the sleeves provides anadjustable and variable support or force; that is, as the thumb and twofingers are pulled away from other other, a greater biasing force isprovided to thus help the thumb and fingers support an object or toolpositioned in the volume between the sleeves. In order to allow thetherapeutic device of the invention to fit variously-sized hands, theinterconnection between the three sleeves may be achieved by means ofadjustable bands or cords, the effective lengths of which may be varied.

In alternative embodiments, the therapeutic device of the invention hasadditional finger-supporting sleeves for other fingers besides the indexfinger and middle finger, and may also be provided as part of an overallglove-type device or wrist-support element.

The present invention provides an occupational-therapy device that ismore effective, safer, and allows a multitude of different tools to beused hitherto not possible with any glove or hand support. This new handsupport or glove utilizes a simple, yet effective, method of configuringand supporting the fingers of the hand while using virtually any type ofhand tool. Some examples of hand tools it assists the hand to use are: apen, spoon, fork, or knife, cell phone, screwdriver, electric or safelyrazors, power tools, baby bottles, cups or glasses, hair brushes orcombs, knitting or crotchet needles, kitchen tools, golf clubs andtennis rackets.

The finger-support system of the invention may be included as part of atype of glove or wrist-support. The glove is made with fivefinger-sleeves or pieces. The finger-sleeves may be sewn together eitherpartially or completely. A strategically placed slit is made on eachsleeve for a corresponding, adjustable strap approximately one quarterinch wide. The straps are attached to the thumb piece at one end. Theother ends are slid through the slits on the finger-sleeves. Thesestraps are preferably approximately three to four inches long, andattach to themselves, or to the back of, the thumb with “VELCRO”. Thestraps are attached on each side of the thumb, and will attach the thumbto the first and second fingers, in a position known in the field ofoccupational therapy as the tripod pinch. When moving the fingers awayfrom the thumb, there is a space or volume therebetween through which anobject may be placed to be held and used. The straps may be tightened orloosened, to adjust to the size or type of tool being used, and thenre-tightened for support of the hand while using the desired tool. Withthe straps in their longest position, the hand is in the functionalposition. A wrist support strap may also be added, if desired. Thedevice of the invention supports the thumb while it opposes the otherfingers. This is of paramount importance, as the thumb is whatfacilitates the use of tools and allows fine motor skills. The supportgiven by the device of the invention allows the hand to require reducedforce during tool use. It takes stress off of the hand and wrist, limitswrist range of motion, making it ideal for those who suffer from suchconditions as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, multiple sclerosis,fractures, strokes or brain injury, diabetic neuropathy, and many otherneurological or orthopedic problems. It decreases wear and tear on wristand finger structures, making it useful for anyone who uses his handsfrequently with numerous types of hand tools. It also improves finemotor skills while supporting various ‘pinches’, while performing suchtasks as turning a nut and bolt, sewing, needlepoint, and picking upsmall objects. Total support can be given initially, and graduallydecreased as one's skill and coordination improves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be more understood with reference to the accompanyingdrawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of the first embodiment of thedigit-supporting therapeutic device for the fingers of a hand accordingto the invention shown worn on the thumb, index and middle fingers of aband;

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top isometric view of the digit-supporting therapeuticdevice itself for the fingers of a hand of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of a modification of the firstembodiment of the digit-supporting therapeutic device for the handaccording to the invention having adjustable sleeve-interconnectingbands or connectors, where a wrist support is provided to which isintegrally formed the thumb-sleeve of the digit-supporting therapeuticdevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 5B is a plan view showing the separate interconnectedfinger-sleeves for this modification;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a front isometric view of a modification of device of FIG. 4shown worn on a hand;

FIG. 8 is a rear isometric view thereof and shown worn on a hand;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but showing the hand grasping andholding a pencil for writing therewith by means of the support to thethumb, forefinger and index finger provided by the digit-supportingtherapeutic device of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of another modification similar tothat of FIG. 4 but using digit-supporting sleeves that areinterconnected by flexible and stretchable straps or bands;

FIG. 11 is a front isometric view of another embodiment of the inventionin which there are provided finger-sleeves for all four fingers besidesa thumb-sleeve in which the finger-sleeves are interconnected byflexible and stretchable straps or bands with the length-adjustablestraps for connecting the thumb-sleeve to the first and finger-sleeves;

FIG. 12 is a front isometric view similar to the embodiment of FIG. 11,but where the forefinger sleeve and pinky-sleeve are connectable to thethumb-sleeve by means of stretchable straps or bands;

FIG. 13 is a front isometric view similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1,but where the two outer finger-sleeves are free and disconnected fromother sleeves;

FIG. 14 is a front isometric view similar to the embodiment of FIG. 11,but where the pinky-sleeve is disconnected from the other sleeves; and

FIG. 15 is an isometric view showing the device of FIG. 14 in use forholding a glass.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, and in particular toFIGS. 1-10, for now, there is shown the first embodiment of thedigit-supporting therapeutic device for a hand of the invention. Thedevice 10 consists of three separate sleeves: A first thumb-sleeve 12,an index-finger or forefinger-sleeve 14, and a middle-finger sleeve 16,as best seen in FIG. 3. Each sleeve is preferably made of a flexible andstretchable fabric or material, such as spandex, nylon, or the like, andare sewn or otherwise fixedly secured together along adjacentedge-surfaces, as clearly seen in FIG. 3. The sleeves are arranged so asto allow the thumb-sleeve 12 to be positioned in opposition to the twofinger-sleeves 14, 16 when the device 10 is worn on the fingers of ahand, in a manner depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The flexible stretchablenature of the sleeves allows the thumb to be separated from the combinedtwo opposed fingers, such that, the greater the distance thethumb-sleeve is moved form the combined two opposed fingers, the greaterthe restoring biasing force, so that an object or tool inserted into aninterior volume or space 18 defined between the sleeves is held firmlybetween the thumb and two fingers in a pinching grip, or the like, foruse.

Instead of the finger-sleeves 14 and 16 being fixedly secured orattached to the thumb-sleeve 12, each sleeve 14, 16 may be attached tothe thumb-sleeve by means of length-adjustable straps or bands 20 and22, as best seen in FIGS. 4-6, in order to allow the device 12 to befitted to hands of different sizes, and in order to allow initialpinching or gripping of an object in the space 18 and the latertightening thereof, as described hereinbelow. In this modification, thestrap 20 has a first end 20′ fixedly secured to an outer portion orsurface of the thumb-sleeve 12, and second end 20″ inserted through aslot or opening 14′ formed in an outer surface portion of the firstindex-finger sleeve 14. Preferably, the outer or outwardly facingsurface of the strap or band 20 is provided along most of its lengthwith the first portion or half of a hook-and-pile fastener, while theouter or outwardly facing surface of the second end 20″ is provided withthe second portion or half of the hook-and-pile fastener, whereby thesecond end 20″ may be removably attached to any portion along the lengthof the strap 20, to thereby vary the effective length of the strap 20and the distance between the thumb-sleeve 12 and the index-finger sleeve14. The strap 22 similarly has a first end 22′ fixedly secured to anopposite outer portion or surface of the thumb-sleeve 12, and second end22″ which is inserted through a slot or opening 16′ formed in an outersurface portion of the middle-finger sleeve 16. Preferably, the outer oroutwardly facing surface of the strap or band 22 is provided along mostof its length with the first portion or half of a hook-and-pilefastener, while the outer or outwardly facing surface of the second end22″ is provided with the second portion or half of the hook-and-pilefastener, whereby the second end 22″ may be removably attached to anyportion along the length of the strap 22, to thereby vary the effectivelength of the strap 22 and the distance between the thumb-sleeve 12 andthe middle-finger sleeve 16. In this modification, the twofinger-sleeves 14 and 16 are fixedly sewn, or otherwise securedtogether, along adjacent-facing surfaces as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5B.Moreover, a portion 12′ of the thumb-sleeve on the surface thereoffacing away from the two finger-sleeves 14, 16 is also provided with thea first half or portion of the hook-and-pile fastener 12″, so that thesecond ends 20″ and 22″ may be removably fastened thereto after havingpassed through the slots 14′, 16′ (not shown in FIG. 5B) after thedevice 10 is worn and an object, tool, or the like, is placed in thehollow interior volume 18, whereby the thumb-sleeve 12 and the pair ofjuxtapositioned two adjacent finger-sleeves 14, 16 may be brought asclose as possible together to firmly close and “lock” the sleevesagainst the object or tool being held in the hollow interior volume 18,so that the greatest amount of support is provided to the thumb andfingers for assisting the pinching or gripping the object, tool, and thelike, in a manner depicted in FIG. 9, where the object shown is apencil. When it is desired to release the object or tool, the secondends 20″, 22″ are simply unfastened, allowing the sleeves to separateand expand the volume 18, whereby the object or tool may be readilyreleased and removed.

Alternatively, instead of the sleeves 12, 14, 16 being fixedly securedtogether or having the length-adjustable straps 20, 22, fixed flexibleand stretchable straps 30, 32, and 34, as seen in FIG. 10, may be used.Each strap 30, 32, has one end fixedly secured to a respectivefinger-sleeve 14, 16 and a second end affixed to an opposing,juxtapositioned portion or section of the thumb-sleeve 12. The strap 34is fixedly connected at its ends to, and interconnects with, the twofinger-sleeves 14, 16. The flexible, stretchable nature of the straps 30and 32 allow the device to fit various-sized hands, and inherentlyprovides an ever-increasing biasing force for holding an object in thehollow volume 18 when the thumb-sleeve 12 is moved away from the pair oftwo finger-sleeves 14, 16 when an object or tool is inserted in thehollow volume 18. The use of these affixed stretchable straps 30, 32provides a limited degree of adjustability to suit hands of differentsizes. It is intended that the device 10 be made in various sizes, witheach size having the affixed stretchable straps 30, 32 of differentlength as compared to another size, so as to accommodate differentranges of minimum and maximum sizes of hands.

The modifications shown in FIGS. 4-9 also included a variation of thedigit-supporting therapeutic device for a hand of the invention in whichthe device 10 is provided with an elongated main body portion 40 havinga tubular section 40′ serving as a wrist support section. Extending froman upper edge surface of this wrist support section is a connecting flapor section 44. In this embodiment, a doubled-over portion or sleevesection 42 is formed integrally with the connecting flap to define thethumb-sleeve 12 in which the thumb is inserted as best seen in FIGS. 5Aand 6. The finger-sleeves 14 and 16 are a separate element attachable tothe thumb-sleeve by the length-adjustable straps 20, 22 described abovewith hook-and-pile fasteners elements, as seen in FIG. 5B, and asdescribed above, with the thumb-sleeve also having a first hook-and-pilefastener portion for removably securing the ends of the straps 20, 22,as described above. It is noted that the thumb-sleeve 12 formedintegrally with the connecting flap has its opening facing downwardlytoward the wrist support section 40′, so that as the hand is insertedthrough the tubular wrist section 40′, after having positioned the wristsupport about the wrist, the thumb of the hand immediately isjuxtapositioned at the opening of the thumb-sleeve for sliding entrytherein as the device is pulled on.

It is noted that, whereas in FIG. 4 each of the straps 20, 22 is shownas having one end permanently affixed to the thumb-sleeve, as describedabove, the modification shown in FIGS. 7-9 allows the end of each strap20, 22 to be removably attached to the thumb-sleeve via matinghook-and-pile fastener elements. In this modification, the interior, orinner, surface of each strap 20, 22 is provided with the first half orportion of the hook-and-pile fastener, while the inner or interiorsurface of each end 20″, 22″ of the straps 20, 22 is provided with thesecond half or portion of the hook-and-pile fastener for varying oradjusting the effective length of each sleeve 20, 22. In addition, inthis modification, the portion 12′ of the thumb-sleeve 12 that has thesecond half or portion of the hook-and-pile fastener extends over alarger surface area of the thumb-sleeve, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown another embodiment configured as anintegral glove 10′, where there are also provided two additionalfinger-sleeves 52, 54 for the last two fingers of the hand. In thisembodiment, the straps 20, 22 with the first part of hook-and-pilefastener elements are connected between the index-finger sleeve 16 andthe pinkie-sleeve 54. Bands 56, 58 and 60 interconnect the last threefinger sleeves 18, 52 and 54. These bands may or may not be stretchable.The straps 20, 22 may be also be inserted through slits or openings inthe finger-sleeves 16 and 54 for varying the effective length of thestraps, in the manner described above with reference to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a modification of the glove version of FIG. 11, in whichthe straps 20, 22 are stretchable and fixedly connected between thethumb-sleeve 12 and the finger-sleeves 14 and 54, respectively, in themanner also described above with respect to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows yet another embodiment similar to FIGS. 12 and 13, butwhere the strap 22 is connected to the middle-finger sleeve as in thefirst preferred embodiment of FIG., 1, but where there are also providedtwo additional finger-sleeves 52, 54 that are not interconnected to theother main sleeves. This version provides greater flexibility to thehand than that of FIG. 12. It is also noted that in this version, theends of the straps 20, 22 may be connected to the finger-sleeves bymeans slits or openings 62 similar to the slits 14′, 16′ of the firstembodiment, whereby the strap 22 may be alternatively connected to anyof the last three finger-sleeves 16, 52 or 54.

FIG. 14 shows yet another embodiment similar to FIG. 13, but where thestrap 22 is connected to the third-finger sleeve 52 and thefinger-sleeves 16 and 52 are interconnected by a stretchable band 64.

Each of the versions of FIGS. 11-14 is used when larger objects are tobe held and supported in the hand, such as a glass, as depicted in FIG.15.

Each of the glove-versions of FIGS. 11-14 is also suitable for use bysurgeons or dentists whose fine motor skill is of great importance, inorder to provide additional steadying support to their hand or hands.Moreover, developmental hand skills, such as writing and scissor-use, isfacilitated by use of the invention, as the desired functional skillspatterns are facilitated. Musicians' hand skill may also facilitated byaiding in the holding of a violin bow or a guitar pick, and hobbyistswho use small hand tools, may be assisted. The glove-version of theinvention is also helpful to golfers in order to assist them inmaintaining a perfect golf-club grip. Similarly, tennis and racketballplayers will be assisted in maintaining a perfect racket grip. Theglove-version is also useful to assist people in holding onto a cane orwalker.

The preferred embodiment with or without the wrist support, and theglove version, provide gradable or adjustable support to the fingers ofthe hand while allowing the performance of fine motor skills activities,such as writing, turning a nut or bolt, knitting crochet, needlepoint,picking up small objects such as coins, pills, buttons, paper clips,etc. They help hold and stabilize an object, thus allowing reducedmuscle force to be required to manipulate that object. With the abilityto assist the fingers of the hand to exert less muscle force during tooluse, the support of the invention helps to limit wear and tear on hand,wrist and finger structures, thereby reducing the occurrence andseverity of injury to these structures during work and leisureactivities. Problems that are reduced include: Carpel tunnel syndrome,arthritis, tendonitis, pain, and other repetitive stress disorders. Useof the invention will also facilitate persons to return to work fasterfrom injury, and use less hand-strength, by allowing fine motor skillsto be used. The invention allows tasks to be performed requiring goodhand strength and skill, and is an aid to persons who suffer from suchconditions as, carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, arthritis,tendonitis, fractures, stroke, brain injury, diabetic neuropathy, painand repetitive stress disorders, and many other neurological andorthopedic problems.

It is also noted that the present invention also envisions amodification where the there is no interconnection between the twofinger-sleeves 14 and 16. In addition, other equivalent cooperatingfasteners besides hook-and-pile may be used. Moreover, a version similarto FIG. 3 may be provided that is provided with a third finger-sleeve orwith third and fourth finger-sleeves, in the manner of the embodimentsof FIGS. 11-14, but without the wrist-support section and extension.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it is to be understood that numerous changes andmodifications may be made therein without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

1. A therapeutic hand device comprising: a first thumb-sleeve forreceiving therein the thumb of a hand, a second index-finger sleeve forreceiving therein the index finger of the hand, and a thirdmiddle-finger sleeve for receiving therein the middle finger of thehand; means for directly connecting together said first thumb-sleevewith said second sleeve and for directly connecting together said firstthumb-sleeve with said third sleeve to form an interior hollow volumebetween said first, second and third sleeves for placing said thumbsleeve in opposition to said second and third sleeves, whereby an objectmay be inserted into said interior hollow volume between said first,second and third sleeves, so that when said first, second and thirdsleeves are placed respectively on the thumb, index finger and middlefinger of the hand, said thumb and fingers may hold and manipulate theobject with support and assistance by said sleeves; each said sleevecomprising a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion;said means for connecting together comprising means for connectingtogether said first, second and third sleeves and comprises firstconnecting means connected between said first connecting portions ofsaid first sleeve and said second sleeve, second connecting meansconnected between said second connecting portions of said first sleeveand said third sleeve, and third connecting means connected between saidsecond connecting portion of said second sleeve and said firstconnecting portion of said third sleeve.
 2. The therapeutic hand deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein each of said sleeves is made of aflexible, stretchable material; said flexible, stretchable materialproviding a variable biasing force as said second and third sleeves areseparated from said first sleeve when worn on a hand in order to holdand manipulate an object in said hollow volume.
 3. The therapeutic handdevice according to claim 1, wherein each of said first and secondconnecting means comprises a length-adjustable connector in order tovary the distance of separation between said first and second sleeves,and the distance between said first and third sleeves, respectively. 4.The therapeutic hand device according to claim 3, wherein said thirdconnecting means fixedly connects said second and third sleeves togetherfor relatively fixed spacing therebetween.
 5. The therapeutic handdevice according to claim 3, wherein each of said length-adjustableconnectors comprises an elongated band element having a first end, asecond end, an inner surface and an outer surface; one of said innersurface and outer surface having a first cooperating section of afastening means; and at least one of said first and second ends having asecond cooperating section of the fastening means, whereby said secondcooperating means is adjustably and removably fastenable to differentportions of said first cooperating section for varying the effectivelength of the respective said band element for varying the distancebetween said first sleeve and a respective said second and third sleeve.6. The therapeutic hand device according to claim 3, wherein each ofsaid length-adjustable connectors comprises an elongated band elementhaving a first end connected to a respective said second and thirdsleeve, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface; at leastone of said inner surface, said outer surface, and said second endhaving a first cooperating section of a fastening means; said firstsleeve comprising a second cooperating section of the fastening means,whereby said second cooperating means is adjustably and removablyfastenable to different portions of said first cooperating section forvarying the effective length of the respective said band element forvarying the distance between said first sleeve and a respective saidsecond and third sleeve.
 7. A therapeutic hand device comprising: afirst thumb-sleeve for receiving therein the thumb of a hand, a secondfinger sleeve for receiving therein the finger of the hand, and at leastone additional finger-sleeve; means for directly connecting togethersaid first sleeve with said second sleeve and for directly connectingtogether said first sleeve with said at least one additionalfinger-sleeve for placing said thumb sleeve in opposition to said othersleeves ; said first, second, and at least one additional finger sleevesforming an interior hollow volume therebetween, whereby an object may beinserted between said sleeves, so that when said sleeves are placedrespectively on the thumb and fingers of the hand, said thumb andfingers may hold and manipulate the object with support and assistanceby said sleeves; said means for connecting together comprises firststrap means connected between said first sleeve and said second sleeve,and second strap means connected between said first sleeve and said atleast one additional finger-sleeve.
 8. The therapeutic hand deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein each of said sleeves is made of aflexible, stretchable material; said flexible, stretchable materialproviding a variable biasing force as said second sleeve and said atleast one additional sleeve are separated from said first sleeve whenworn on a hand in order to hold and manipulate an object in said openspace.
 9. The therapeutic hand device according to claim 7, wherein eachof said first and second strap means comprises a length-adjustableconnector.
 10. A method of using a therapeutic device for the fingers ofa hand, which therapeutic device comprises a first thumb-sleeve forreceiving therein the thumb of a hand, a second finger sleeve forreceiving therein the finger of the hand, and at least one additionalfinger-sleeve; means for connecting together at least said firstthumb-sleeve with said second sleeve and said first thumb-sleeve withsaid at least one additional sleeve for placing the thumb sleeve inopposition to the other sleeves; said first, second and at least oneadditional sleeves forming an interior hollow volume therebetween, saidmethod comprising: (a) attaching the therapeutic device to the thumb andat least some fingers of a hand such that the thumb is held inopposition to other fingers, and increasing the distance between saidfirst thumb-sleeve relative to other said finger-sleeves; (b) insertingan object in said interior hollow volume; (c) decreasing the distancebetween said first thumb-sleeve relative to other said finger-sleevesfor grasping the object inserted in said interior hollow volume by thethumb and at least some other fingers of the hand; and (d) supportingsaid thumb and finger sleeves in the position of said step (c) by saidmeans for connecting together, whereby the thumb and at least some ofthe other fingers of the hand are supported in their pinching grasp ofthe object of said step (b).
 11. A therapeutic hand device comprising: afirst thumb-sleeve for receiving therein the thumb of a hand, a secondindex-finger sleeve, for receiving therein, the index finger of thehand, and a third middle-finger sleeve for receiving therein the middlefinger of the hand; means for directly connecting together said firstthumb-sleeve with said second sleeve and for directly connectingtogether said first thumb-sleeve with said third sleeve to form aninterior hollow volume between said first, second and third sleeves forplacing said thumb sleeve in opposition to said second and thirdsleeves, whereby an object may be inserted into said interior hollowvolume between said first, second and third sleeves, so that when saidfirst, second and third sleeves are placed respectively on the thumb,index finger and middle finger of the hand, said thumb and fingers mayhold and manipulate the object with support and assistance by saidsleeves; said means for connecting together said first sleeve with saidsecond sleeve and said first sleeve with said third sleeve comprising afirst and a second elongated band element each having a first end, asecond end, an inner surface and an outer surface; one of said innersurface and outer surface having a first cooperating section of afastening means; said first sleeve, having a second cooperating sectionof the fastening means, whereby said first and second band elementsconnect said second and third sleeves to said first sleeve.
 12. Thetherapeutic hand device according to claim 11, further comprising awrist support section for supporting the wrist of the hand; and anextension portion connected to said wrist support section; said firstsleeve being formed integrally with said wrist support section by meansof said extension portion.
 13. The therapeutic hand device according toclaim 12, further comprising at least one additional finger-sleeveconnected to at least one of said third sleeve and said extensionportion.
 14. The therapeutic hand device according to claim 13,comprising two additional finger-sleeves for the fourth and fifthfingers of the hand; said means for connecting connecting said fourthfinger-sleeve to said third finger-sleeve and said fifth finger-sleeveto said fourth finger-sleeve.